Shropshire school governors today called for a second probe into their claims of maladministration over the way the county council drew up its policy to tackle falling pupil numbers.
The governors have written to Shirehall legal chief Claire Porter asking her to look at the issue.
It comes after the original complaint was investigated by the council’s assistant education director for children and young people’s services, Ian Budd, who has been closely involved in the development of the policy.
He said that after “careful investigation” the claims had not been upheld.
Carla Lowndes, a parent governor at Buildwas School, and a leading campaigner in the fight to prevent school closures and mergers, said: “We are disappointed Mr Budd himself answered the complaint.
“We hope to get an independent person, somebody not involved in children and young people’s services, to look at how the policy process has been undertaken and review what has been done so far.”
Governors from across Shropshire signed a letter to the county council setting out their complaint. It was drafted by Joe Roberts, vice-chairman of governors at Onny School near Craven Arms. He retired as the county council’s chief engineer three years ago.
The letter was accompanied by detailed evidence, complied by Mr Roberts, supporting claims that the policy was seriously flawed
Mr Budd concluded: “After careful investigation of the documentation presented by the council and the actions and responses of officers and members, your complaints are not upheld.”
Miss Porter was unavailable for comment today.
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